Learning from the Land: Teaching Ecology through Stories and Activities.

This book strives to combine creative writing, the whole language approach, thinking skills, and problem-solving strategies with an introduction to ecological concepts. It aims to bring scientific facts to life by creating empathy for wild creatures and teach basic science skills by using creative writing and storytelling. This book contains nine original stories that incorporate an array of scientific concepts that can be adapted for listeners of any age or knowledge level. Student-tested activities integrating creative writing and problem solving with a deeper understanding of nature follow each story. Additionally, each story contains several ideas for quick, hands-on activities adaptable to various grade levels. The stories are designed to be presented orally and tips for telling tales such as learning rather than memorizing the story, the importance of practice, audience involvement, sound effects, and body language are included. Ways to integrate basic science skills and science process skills are also identified. Story topics include the food web, predators, migration routes, growing a prairie, and comparing spores and seeds. (AIM)